How to Employ a Visualization Tool to Sustainably Implement a Robust Asset Management Program

Introduction The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) faced a daunting challenge of consolidating over a decade's worth of disparate asset management programs (AMPs) into a unified, accessible, and efficient system. This ambitious project resulted in the creation of the powerful Asset Insight application. This application serves as a digital tool that not only centralizes data but also empowers the Water Authority to make informed decisions regarding asset maintenance and capital improvement planning (CIP). This abstract highlights how this innovative tool revolutionized utility-wide asset management, making it efficient, valuable, and sustainable in the long term. The Water Authority, as New Mexico's largest water and wastewater utility, recognized the need for a holistic approach to asset management. With various asset groups assessed using different metrics, the utility's ability to prioritize projects and make informed decisions was hindered. Project Approach The project approach involved combining data from previously completed asset management plans (AMPs) across all divisions of the Water Authority, utilizing standardized parameters for asset scoring. Bridging the gap between disparate scoring systems was a critical step towards reconciling data from the previous AMPs. The resulting standardized data formed the foundation for the Asset Insight application. Asset Insight Application The Asset Insight application seamlessly integrates with the Water Authority's enterprise system, provides instant access to up-to-date information, expedites decision-making and enhances staff's ability to identify trends. Moreover, it significantly reduces the time spent on reporting, freeing up staff for essential operational and maintenance tasks. This newfound efficiency is instrumental in sustainably maintaining the Water Authority's comprehensive asset management program (CAMP). The CAMP and Asset Insight application not only streamlines data management but also offers dynamic planning capabilities. Water Authority staff can explore different budgetary scenarios, drilling down to specific data points by facility, group, or major processes. This precision enhances cost projections and optimizes asset utilization, ultimately ensuring the longevity of these critical resources. The thoughtful design of the Asset Insight application includes automated features that make data integration seamless, allowing staff to generate reports quickly. This further maximizes efficiency and empowers staff to focus on essential operational and maintenance tasks. Conclusion In summary, the CAMP and the Asset Insight application has streamlined Water Authority's operations. By centralizing data, improving data management, and providing dynamic planning capabilities, the Asset Insight application has made asset management efficient, valuable, and sustainable in the long term. This project exemplifies how innovation and technology can revolutionize utility-wide asset management, providing a valuable model for other organizations in the field. The Water Authority's journey from disparate asset management programs to a unified, data-driven approach serves as a compelling case study for the industry, showcasing the power of holistic asset management solutions.